Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) Technique Versus Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) Combined With a Connective Tissue Graft for the Treatment of Maxillary Gingival Recessions

Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorUniversitat Internacional de Catalunya

About this trial

Gingival recession (GR) is a common oral health problem that causes sensitivity, esthetic concerns and hygiene problems. Successful root coverage can be achieved by various surgical techniques. The VISTA technique may overcome some of the limitations of other techniques and present equal results to techniques that are considered the "Gold Standard" in this area of periodontology.

The objective of the research is to study the VISTA technique in terms of complete root coverage, % root coverage, gingival thickness gain, bleeding on probing, keratinized gingival width, PROMS, vestibular depth and esthetic results.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Healthy adults: men and women between 18 and 75 years of age.

Accepts and signs informed consent.

Systemically healthy patients with periodontal health or controlled periodontitis.

Presence of at least two maxillary Cairo Type I or II (RT1/2) recessions > 2 mm deep on buccal aspect.

Disqualifiers

Smoker of 10 ≥ cigarettes per day.

Contraindications to periodontal surgery.

Medications that affect the gingiva or their healing.

Active orthodontic treatment.

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Vestibular incision subperiostal tunnel technique

    Procedure/Surgery

    The VISTA (Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access) technique is a minimally invasive surgical approach for root coverage. A single vertical incision is made, often at the labial frenulum for optimal access, reaching the periosteum to elevate a subperiosteal tunnel. This tunnel is extended beyond the mucogingival junction and interproximally under each papilla to enable tension-free coronal repositioning of the gingiva. An autologous connective tissue graft, harvested and de-epithelialized from the palate, is introduced into the tunnel. Before placement, teeth are etched (orthophosphoric or hydrofluoric acid depending on surface type). Sutures (6-0 polypropylene) stabilize the graft, with additional composite fixation on treated teeth. The vertical incision is closed using 5-0 sutures, ensuring proper stabilization and healing. This approach minimizes trauma, promotes healing, and achieves effective root coverage.

  • CAF

    Procedure/Surgery

    The Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) is an effective technique for root coverage in single or multiple gingival recession cases with adequate apical keratinized tissue thickness and height. Following the De Sanctis and Zucchelli protocol (2007), two horizontal incisions are made 3 mm apart, with placement 1 mm apical to the recession height. Vertical beveled incisions extend into the alveolar mucosa, and a flap is elevated in three stages: partial thickness at the papilla, full thickness to the buccal bone table, and apical partial thickness to release muscle fibers for mobility. An autologous connective tissue graft (≥1 mm thick) is harvested from the palatal or retromolar area, de-epithelialized, and shaped to the recession size. The anatomical papillae are de-epithelialized, and the graft is sutured apically to the CEJ using 6-0 Polyglactin 910. Sling sutures (6-0 polypropylene) stabilize the flap 2 mm coronally to the CEJ, ensuring optimal positioning and healing.

Treatment groups

30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: TESTExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: ControlExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Recession reduction (RR)

Measured with a periodontal probe and with a STL file

Time frame
3 months and 6 months after the surgery

Secondary outcomes

1

mean root coverage (% RC)

Measured with a periodontal probe and with a STL file

Time frame
3 and 6 months after the surgery
2

PPD

distance from the gingival margin to the base of the gingival sulcus

Time frame
Baseline, 3 and 6 months after the surgery
3

CAL

distance from the LAC to the base of the gingival sulcus

Time frame
Baseline, 3 and 6 months after the surgery
4

KTW

distance from the gingival margin to the mucogingival line (MGL

Time frame
Baseline, 3 and 6 months after the surgery

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

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